Loft Conversion Completed – Full Build Video

September 29, 2024
Doors & Windows, Electrical, Floor, Framing, HVAC, Straw Light Clay, Timber Frame Cabin


While Jean was away I managed to finish Phase 1 of our 2024 Cabin remodel plans. If you missed the plan to fix some of the design mistakes I made building the timber frame cabin check out this post.

To recap phase 1 was to extend the loft. This allowed me to create some separation between our loft bedroom and the rest of the cabin. In addition, I replaced the counterbalanced stair with a fixed alternating tread stair and swapped our single zone mini split air conditioner with two zone unit to keep the loft cool. Henceforth we won’t have to retreat to the cottage during the heat of the summer.

Another benefit was creating a light aerie space that we can use for crafting, office space or possibly extra sleeping space. With this project I started created short videos to show progress updates during the building. I’ll keep doing that going forward. To see them go to Latest Updates. Currently, I’m taking care of some tasks I put off during the build (e.g. battery and vehicle maintenance) but I’ll start work on Phase 2 in early to mid-October.

Meanwhile, here is the full build video for the loft conversion:

And here are some stills with some more details:

Removing the table
Board game case
Games relocated and detaching the track lighting
I used a couple of clamps to support the case while I took out the last fastener
Decommissioning the counter balanced alternate tread stair
Preparing to make a mess
To get the joist as close to the wall as possible I hit the wall with a sander to take down some high points
Generating lots of dust
I used a claw hammer to dig through a couple of inches of plaster and light clay straw to get to the tie beam
4×8 joist hangers fastened to tie beam
Dropping joists into place
I had a 4×8 off cut that used to set the hanger location
Very carefully removing the ceiling fan
I used 1×6 tongue and groove pine boards for the subfloor since it will be visible from below
Originally there was only a half wall here. I extended the framing to the ceiling and clad it with 1×6 tongue and groove pine boards
Checking the studs are level.
Some math to calculate stud heights on the sloped portion of the wall
For sound dampening I put down a couple of layers of rubber mat
Looks like I need a new Brains shirt
To bring the subfloor up to the same level as the existing loft floor I put a layer of 3/8″ plywood
I put a couple out outlets in the loft extension and rerouted the wire that had been running to the ceiling fa
Installing mineral wool for sound dampening and fire protection
Cladding the interior walls
I left and opening where the wardrobe will live
I added trim and stained all wood surfaces with linseed oil. Over time it should darken to match the original wall.
I put down more rubber mat and installed a floating wood floor
A good cross section of the floor
The front porch was a dumping ground for all the bits and pieces I removed from the cabin
Cutting the stringers for the alternating tread starir
Dismantling the old stairway
I only had to make three new treads and just used one of the old stringers to make them.
Using a jig to attach the tread supports
One of the strings in place. I opted to build the stairway in place rather than assemble outside and try to move it in in one piece
Attaching the first hand rail
Board games in their new home
Removing the old compressor
Installing the new evaporator
Look at that beautiful flare
Air conditioner operational!
For reference we’ve been running everything in the cabin and the cottage on less than 30 amps. With the loft and downstairs A/C units cranked down to the maximum the new A/C unit has fairly large load.
Installing the windows
Evaporator with duct cover over line set. I’ll put a shelving unit on the right wall that will hide where the line set exits.